Though all vegetables are important for health certain kinds offer unique benefits. Amongst them are onions.
Onion contains various vitamins, minerals, and potent plant compounds that have been shown to promote health in many ways. Medicinal properties of onions have been recognized since ancient times when they were used to treat ailments like headaches, heart disease, and mouth sores.
Here are 7 important health benefits of Onions.
Packed With Nutrients
Onions are nutrients dense, meaning they are low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals. This vegetable is particularly high in Vitamin C,a nutrient involved in regulating immune health, collagen production, tissue repair and iron absorption. Onion is also rich in B vitamins ( B9, B6)
They are a good source of potassium, a mineral in which many people are lacking.
May Benefit Heart Health
Onions contain antioxidants compounds that fight inflammation, decrease triglycerides and reduce cholesterol levels all of which may lower heart disease risk. Their potent anti-inflammatory properties may also help reduce high blood pressure and protect against blood clots.
Loaded With Anti-oxidants
Antioxidants are compounds that inhibit oxidation, a process that leads to cellular damage and contributes to diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Onions are an excellent source of antioxidants they contain over 25 different varieties of flavonoid antioxidants.
Contains Cancer-Fighting Compounds
Eating vegetables of the Allium genus like garlic and onions has been linked to a lower risk of certain cancers, including stomach and colorectal. These cancer-fighting properties have been linked to the sulfur compounds and flavonoid antioxidants found in allium vegetables. Onions also contain fisetin and quercetin, flavonoid antioxidants that may inhibit tumor growth.
Helps Control Blood Sugar
Eating onions may help control blood sugar, which is especially significant for people with diabetes or prediabetes. Specific compounds found in onions, such as quercetin and sulfur compounds, possess antidiabetic effects. For example, quercetin has been shown to interact with cells in the small intestine, pancreas, skeletal muscle, fat tissue and liver to control whole-body blood sugar regulation.
May Boost Bone Density
Though dairy gets much of the credit for boosting bone health, many other foods, including onions, may help support strong bones. It’s believed that onions help reduce oxidative stress, boost antioxidant levels and decrease bone loss, which may prevent osteoporosis and boost bone density.
May Boost Disgestive Helth
Onions are a rich source of fiber and prebiotics, which are necessary for optimal gut health. Prebiotics are nondigestible types of fiber that are broken down by beneficial gut bacteria. Gut bacteria feed on prebiotics and create short-chain fatty acids — including acetate, propionate and butyrate. Onions are particularly rich in the prebiotics inulin and fructooligosaccharides. These help increase the number of friendly bacteria in your gut and improve immune function
